Sporting events: What draws you to them, what's the attraction?

[beenKOed]

I have never understood the need, or the attraction many people exhibit, to be at sporting events. The time, money and hassle just to get to your seat turns me off. I'd rather stay at home and watch it on TV. I'm not going to touch on all the good points of staying at home. I'm not telling you that staying at home and watching on TV is better. If you could go to the events you like, would you? Why? I'd really like to know what draws you. This is a serious question!

[armin]

Ive only been to one boxing event thus far, and would go to far more if i could. The atmosphere, the noise of the crowd "just being ther"e, getting the intros by michael buffer was well worth it...as for other events I been to mostly nba and college football games its just plain old fun honestly being with your buds being as loud as ya can be its just a bit different than being at home in front of the tv no matter how big a tv or how good a sound system ya got

[donnydarkoIRL]

I believe this question doesn't stray too far from "why do people participate or follow sports."

There is a primal urge to compete and conquer, to excel in a forum of like minded and bodied individuals.
The human race have developed, physically; to a high level, but also mentally to a level that people realise that not everyone can attain elite athleticism. Our mind allows us to appreciate and admire these capabilities.

When you're in an arena, with hundreds or perhaps thousands of people with similar interest in a given contest; you immediately bond with the energies of those on your side and oppose that of the opposition; just as a supporter!
It's all about Feel, Energy and Instinct. Andre's post on this is gonna kick ass.

[Spicoli]

Its all very primal. An event you follow now at your feet, the smell...taste...atomsphere. There is something about yelling at the absolute top of your lungs like a lunatic and not being able to hear because the masses of people next to you are doing the very same. On a great fight night I still pace the living room doing the same but eventually even the dog and cat look at you sideways and your neighbors call the cops for no good damn reason!

[donnydarkoIRL]

Best Live atmosphere you've had Spicoli?

[Master]

I have been to some events but only because they are local and easy to get in and out of. I do all what Spicoli does when I watch the TV.

[Spicoli]

Best Live atmosphere you've had Spicoli?

Def too few but I was literally deaf after the second game back in the Superdome for the Saints against the Bucs after Katrina hit. Even in the cheap seats it was an enormous echo chamber, raucous and tons of emotion just like a roller coaster over the crowd. In spots the field was almost secondary and sheer "unity" atmosphere carried it!

[donnydarkoIRL]

Master; some of the local ones are great aren't they?
Little flyweight in our club made the national final last year. Screamed myself hoarse for 3 rounds. Won the nationals on a double count back, but it could've been a world title!
I'll always remember his gameplan, the too and fro, his reaction. but for the life of me I can't remember what round haye stopped chisora, what round Ortiz quit, nothing I've watched only once on tv.

Yeah spicoli man; can almost feel what your describing. Had a few experiences like that. Outside it's a warmth that's almost paternal, you're among kin; the comradry is the most perfect contrast to the refrigerated isolation of being in there.